What setup to use for both surfing and dive shots?

G’day from Australia.

I have started a business centred around high speed action sport shots (basically on land). I have upgraded a lot of my equipment and currently have one Canon EOS 5D and one Canon EOS 5D Mk2. My knowledge of photography is reasonable to good and in another lifetime (some 25 years ago) I was mad keen on diving and spear-fishing. With the Keppel Islands and their fringing reef only 30 minutes away, I still do both occasionally.

At the moment money is a bit of an issue. (I have recently purchased Canon 500mm telephoto lens... great piece of gear but costly). Another consideration is that surfing and diving will only be one aspect of my business, hopefully about 20%. For this reason I thought I would purchase an Ikelite housing. I have a Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8 lens and intend to use this underwater.

The questions I have are:

1. Which of the two cameras should I use for underwater photography and why? (Will it make much difference which one I use?)

2. Should I use a different lens?

3. As I need to take both in-water surfing shots and underwater dive shots can I use a single port (flat) to cover both situations?

4. Are there refraction issues in using either 6” or 8” dome ports out-of-water?

Many thanks for the help you guys will give.

heyross

I would suggest using the Mark II it has a bigger sensor and handles a larger tonal range in the near to over exposed highlights in the suns rays from underwater. Plus you can shoot some amazing surf videos at the waters surface and below. As for lenses I would definitely recommend the 15 mm 2.8 Canon and the 16-35 as the alternative. The Aquatica housing with 9.25 in dome port is the one I would recommend. It's pricey though. Need any help?

G’day from Australia.

 

 

 

3. As I need to take both in-water surfing shots and underwater dive shots can I use a single port (flat) to cover both situations?

 

 

heyross

You may want to be cautious using your underwater housing as a surf housing; they are not generally designed to be bashed around in the surf. Specifically designed surf housings are a lot more bomb proof.

Wow that's a tough question! You want a housing that can do both, but on a tight budget...hmmm....

If you get an Aquatech (or similar) surf housing you'll be able to take it to shallow diving depths, and it's made to withstand the shock loads in the surf zone.

To answer your questions:

Neither camera is good for fast action photography. I would go w/ a fast cropped sensor camera like the 7D or a 1DmkIIn (which you can get cheaply now).

For surf photography you'll probably want a fisheye, a 16-35, and a 70-200

I would use a dome for everything save the 70-200

There are no refraction issues shooting through a dome - as long as you are NOT using a diopter. You can shoot above and below.,

Cheers

James

Since budget is limited, and you want to use what cameras you have, I suggest getting used housings. 2nd hand 5D I housings are cheaper now, even the good brand ones. The 5D I does not have video and the noise is not as good as the 5D2 but it's very good on it's own. With an older housing and the proper ports (I suggest getting an acrylic port (so look for Sea and Sea and Aquatica housings)), you'll be able to start shooting immediately without breaking the wallet or risking the newer camera. This way, you can slowly build your skills and business and once you outgrow the 5D capabilities, the business should support getting better equipment.

AFAIK, if you have the 16-35 II, Ikelite housings cannont fit the lens in their ports. This is for the Ikelite 5D2 housing which I'll assume means the rest of the line can't be used as well. Check with Ikelite to confirm.